1404

Izra'il took a step out of the night, seeming to just step out of the Shadows. He placed his bow, swords, shield, daggers and a pair of stakes at the door before adjusting his tunic. making a motion for the man following him to wait out of sight and out of mind.
"If we do not wish this to be a breach, I can take care of it. If you want them broken out or silenced makes no difference to me. But it will be done, just say the word." He glanced back at his Ghoul, "That one needs to learn the ways sometime."

"I am well versed in the Last Rights of all the Abrahamic Religions. You are too important to spend your time on this Madam Volka. Allow me to make your gaze worth the effort."
Izra'il bowed his head to Finn, before turning to Lupo. "I would welcome your assistance if you know anything about the prison. I have yet to get familiar with the local prisons, though I have been meaning to do so."

"I am good at both negotiations and infiltration so I would likely be a good candidate to assist with this. If it turns out to be an unacknowledged kindred this would fall under my duties as Scourge anyway."

Duccio looks up from the far table he had taken over with piles of loose papers as he organized all of the information he had been gathering before finally taking in the conversation. "Given my position in the Church I am sure it would not be hard to convince the guards to hand the man over to the mercy of the Church, as well as I have other methods should they prove staunch in they decision for execution."

"Duccio, I feel your position may draw attention, the less of us who reveal our identities the better. I'll make sure this is dealt with quickly and hopefully quietly. If you wish to join me Scourge then I'll send Ambroos to some location of your choosing so we can hammer out a meeting place. Until then I bid you good night." Izra'il turned to follow Lupo before stopping, "and Ambroos, stay here until sunrise. Keep me informed."

Gwynne enters, looking troubled. "Um... So we have a problem," she says, speaking to the room, "Turns out, um, that the East forest problem is... Well that is to say... They're actually, um, spilling over from the South forest problem. Which is the issue of, um, something in the South forest corrupting all the animals and turning them into uh... Well, you see, they're kinda monsters, in a sense..."

The doors to the Abbey open wide, and in strides Aserymus with a slightly more assertive gait to his step. Behind him are two other figures, their height and corded musculature similar to that of the Tunisian but wearing none of the armour that he and others in attendance adorned themselves with.

Moving to one side of the court, he led the other two away from the open space in the centre of the hall, taking in the various other men and women having their own conversations. Never taking his eyes from the other Cainites, he nevertheless turns his head ever so slightly towards his companions.

"And this is where the true enigma at the heart of our society lies. Here, in these halls, no decisions are truly made, and yet all are made. Words and courtesies and favours are bandied about, and most here believe themselves the master of the spoken word the moment they open their mouths."

Thinking for a moment, he glances about the room to assess the mood within, noting several prominent figures and the absence of others.

"I do not expect you to be here much after tonight, as this area will likely remain closed to you outside special circumstances. We shall see. However, if you tire of the overly-polite facade, as I do, treat it as a hunting exercise. A predator imitating the behaviour of the area he's in, to remain unnoticed and unremarkable."

And with that, the Lion waits. Patience itself could be a weapon, and he would learn to wield it expertly.

"Um... Well, you see... They begin killing other animals for sport... Then they get sick, and then they die. I, um, spoke to a nice old woman named Haggith, who has been helping the animals out when they're hungry, sick, or injured... She said she wasn't able to help animals who had been corrupted with this evil. She also said that it was only animals going into the South forest who were corrupted, and it doesn't seem contagious between animals... just animals who go into the South forest get corrupted. She said something evil lurked there but wasn't sure what. She didn't know if it was related to the wolves or something else."

Gwynne seems taken aback by the outburst. "I- I mean... she does seem pretty elusive..." she stammers, "It seems like she, um, has some way to keep those she doesn't want to meet from finding her... Err, by the way, what did you see from your side when I uh... left?"

With the summation of events by Gwynne, and the rather passionate outburst by the northern barbar whom he had not met yet, Aserymus does his best to suppress his satisfaction. Patience indeed was a weapon, but a fickle one, and once again it had served the master who knew its unique edges best.

Ignoring the more vocal members of the court for the time being, he turns to the dark-haired woman regarding him and his companions.

"Allow me to introduce to you Guinnein and Mordag. Two of the local..." he pauses, searching for the correct word in the local tongue, "tribe? Clan? of Werewolves that dwell in the woods outside the city. And if our agreement proves beneficial and productive, hopefully the first of many new auxiliaries to solidify more peaceful relations between us."

The edges of a smile finally playing across his lips, the Lion's eyes twinkle with mirth as he finishes his thought.

"And I am very much looking forward to the reaction of the Prince when I make this more widely known."

"Alright, just try not to kill any more mortals than you need to... They are jumpy enough as it is in these troubling times." Duccio mutters towards Izra'il as the man leaves with Lupo while examining the two unknown individuals who had entered with Aserymus. The shadows behind Duccio seem to fluctuate ever so slightly as Duccio listens to the report from Gwynne choosing to ignore the comments make by Aserymus.

"Well Elder Ríonach I have some ideas of what might be causing this issue but I cannot be certain as I have not had the time to research deeper due to having so many fires to put out. If you have time I wish to discuses a few matters with you as you may provide some illumination upon some aspects of this cities history."

Duccio is about to say more when the words Werewolves come out of Aserymus' mouth the entirety of Duccio becomes unnaturally still including his shadow in spite of the flickering light from the candles. Duccio closes his eyes as he slowly takes a single breath in and out before beginning to pack up the parchment and paper upon his table, "And to which tribe do these Garou belong?"

As her words shift along with her demeanour becoming immediately more defensive, Aserymus regards the Tzimisce carefully. As Guinnein and then Mordag answer the questions in kind, he stands proud of their candor. Indeed, it would be all too easy to resort to snarled threats and hints of violence, for both sides. Time enough for that another day, if it comes to that, he muses to himself.

Focusing on Hildr, he barely moves his large frame, though his eyes never leave hers.

"Finn was well aware of my intent when leaving the city to meet with the Shadowlord Tribe. As was Isaac, without whom the meeting would not have been possible. As for our dear, devoted Prince," the Tunisian intones, his words and tone not at all alike, "I have not asked her for permission for anything. Nor do I intend to. I act, and she may react, as is her wont."

Duccio's relaxes slightly at the more docile actions of the woman studying her as she speaks, "Firstly I would like to extend my deepest thanks to your tribe in the healing of our dear Finn, even if it was a simple exchanging of favors she is a well loved member of this city. Secondly I am glad to see there are some within your tribe that do not wish for confrontation with our kind, albeit I am sure you do not speak for all of your tribe in that sentiment. Lastly I can sense that you do not wish trouble with us and why you would wish to see change in your Tribe, but the change you wish to see is not something easily done and you should know why that is."

Duccio is about to turn to address Aserymus when Finn makes her way into the room Duccio tenses up preparing for the worst, "Be sure not to harm those Garou unnecessarily, we do not wish to give their Tribe claim that we broke our peace agreement. Aserymus you may have misgivings about the rules and rulers of our society much like you Sire but your actions of disregard could throw us all into peril due to short sightedness."

Staring down at Finn as she approaches with her armed entourage, his visage within his helmet darkens, leaving only two feral, glinting points of dangerous light fixated on the older vampire. Likewise, his corded muscles flex and harden under the glittering plates of his armour, to the point where he appears more akin to a Greek statue of antiquity than a man."Was it not the Prince who charged that the Werewolves outside the city were a threat in their current state?" The Tunisian's tone is not a question, but a statement, leaving no question to its validity as he continue. "And was it not you, Warden, who heard my plan to turn enemies to allies? And did you speak objection then? No. You sanctioned the action with your silence. If I am guilty of Treason, then so are you, Finn Volkova."

And with that, it takes every ounce of restraint in his body to keep still. But this was not the stillness of indecision. This was a predator on the savanna, studying his prey.Taking a deep breath, the Lion remembered at last the teachings of his mentor, and the Path she had started him on. For Her sake, he would extend one last branch. Still staring at Finn, he spoke one last time.

"In respect to you, revered mother, have someone fetch the Prince. I would still have her meet her new allies, that we can begin dealing with the true threats to the city."

Finally tilting his head ever-so-slightly at the other assembled Cainites, his voice at once returned to it's knife-edge tone as it echoes loudly throughout the hall.

"I will wait for the Prince here. But know this. Any who strike at me will die, as will the two beside them. The choice is yours."

A deep and resounding sigh comes from Duccio at Aserymus' posturing, "Your choices and assumptions are incorrect, First we have an ongoing peace with the Tribe in the forest it was a different tribe we have most recently had difficulties with. Secondly I am sure Finn only thought you would simply talk and work on diplomatic relations when meeting as I am sure had she known your intent to bring representatives into the heart of our domain she would have attempted to talk some sense into you. Lastly I have a feeling the Prince might feel less inclined to meet with one poised like a wild animal ready to strike at anything that inconveniences him, although I am willing to attempt to bring the Prince here."

Duccio slowly and carefully raises from his seat and attempts to make his way deeper into the Abbey while keeping Aserymus within view and not making any sudden movements that might inadvertently cause an attack.

Isaac steps forward his hands held up non-threateningly.
"Woah woah! We're all friends here! Lets calm down and talk this through while our friend the Deacon goes to speak to the Prince. Guinnein,Mordag hang on I'm sure we can get this all sorted out. I did indeed take Aserymus to help him make contact with the wolves in the forest though I was simply making introductions and didn't involve myself in the negotiations. I assumed when he made this arrangement that he would seek the Prince's approval to finalize it as he has no authority on his own to unilaterally make deals on behalf of the city. I did not realize he would bring our new friends to one of our most secret gathering places but it is too late for me to counsel against that now and hindsight serves no purpose. While Aserymus' actions have been rude and overstepped we should consider the deal he has made on its own merits and allow the Prince to decide as is her right and privelage. Many of us have seen how deadly a warrior of the lupines can be firsthand. We are in dire need of such warriors for our battles against the Fomori. I would also advise against trying to imprison Guinnein and Mordag as they were acting in good faith and that would mean a shattering of the truce we have carefully worked for."

Isaac turns directly to face The Lion of Tunis with both his face and his voice pleading.
"Please Aserymus stay your hand and work with us to settle this dispute. I have seen your strength and skill at arms displayed in several skirmishes. The city NEEDS you for the coming battles. If you fight here in Elysium you will be persona non grata in our society if you survive. I have no doubt you would make a good accounting of yourself and may take some of those present down with you but there are too many here for you to fight alone. Our friends the wolves would be unlikely to join you as they know that would also destroy the peace! You have shown yourself to be a noble and dangerous warrior. Now is the time to show you can also be a man of peace when it is required. "

The Tunisian meets Finn's mirth with his own wry smile, though the warmth never manages to extend to his eyes. Hearing her assent to the Prince's will, such as it is, solidifies his opinion.

"So be it then. There will be no surrender to one who's own actions led us to the dangerous precipice the city is now on. Had you followed my advice a year ago, this all could have been avoided. And perhaps some of us need not have died while I was away."

Turning his head slightly, the Aserymus' gaze passes over the other assembled Cainites, chief among them the Prince's guard.

"Guinnein. Mordag. Come. The three of us are leaving. If anyone is bold enough to try and stop us, make your attempt. But once we pass those doors, remember that every death due to the Inquisition, or the Fomori, or anyone else is on your heads. I will not fight the Princeling's wars any longer. Now run back to your master and pray she looks favourably on you."

And with the sound of armoured steps resonating off the floor of the hall, the Lion moves past Finn, never taking his eyes off his would-be jailors, nor his hand away from his weapon.

Izra'il stepped into Elysium, bow slung over his back, and his right had resting on his sword hilt, "What in the Lords name happened here?" He asked aloud to no one in particular, his nose twitching at the scent of blood, "And more importantly why are those responsible not in torpor or worse?"

As if on cue after Hildr's comment, a tattered, blood-drenched Gwynne staggers back into Elysium and collapses into the nearest chair. "No one died," she coughs out in the strained, raspy voice of a corpse that has holes where it shouldn't. "Things are... Resolved."

She slumps over, muttering under her breath "I need to stop doing that..."

There is something broken both in Isaac's slumped shoulders and in the lack of his normal friendly tone in his voice.
"I'm glad noone was killed. I have some Scourge business to announce.After investigation the individual captured by the guards is not a cainite and therefore not within the purview of my duties. From assistance with the investigation I offer a minor boon to Izra'il of the Banu Haqim and Ludivico Giovanni of clan Cappadocian. Torston could you please ask the Prince to meet with me as soon as she is able to regarding an extremely urgent matter. Tell her it's regarding the threat I previously discussed with her."

"Thank you, Finn," Gwynne sits up a bit, wincing, "For everything. Things could have turned out a lot worse."

She turns her attention to Hildr. "The forest... Haggith? No... not a vampire. Something other."

Duccio stumps his way back into court from deeper within the Abbey looking around the room before locking onto Isaac, "Isaac when there is time we will defiantly have to discuses how the Lupines in the woods or any other of the Garou will never be truly called our friends." Duccio then turns to the rest of the court, "Any who so wish to help me deal with the Inquisition please let me know, there should be some movement on the front soon and we should get prepared to move quickly so none escape."

"My plan is to gather a number of members in the court to follow the Inquisition, I am unsure when but it should be soon, they should be pushed into an offensive action and when the time is right we can either pick off those who flee the fighting or smash them if they prove victorious while they are still recovering. I am hoping Siegfried is not there a feel that he will not be as they so not seem to be working in concert with one another and we will only need to be extra cautious of the three Society members. The plan is to make sure none survive to tell the tale and we get some lookalikes in place to give the show of the inquisition leaving town victorious to the next city."

"You have my sword arm then Lasombra. Just tell me when and how many of the Pope's lackeys you want dealt with." Izra'il smiled, as he shrugged off his weapons, placing them at the door. "Though I suggest we hit them all at once, while it may take away an advantage of numbers it keeps them from summoning the others."

"The plan is to kill most of them but some will be needed to make their departure look legitimate, I feel not all will be sent out on this mission but as long as the three Leopold Society members are replaced the plan should work. And yes the Prince has given her blessing on this action as it has been long in the works getting all other aspects in place, I will stress that failure needs to be avoided at all cost all of the inquisition that participate in their upcoming must be dealt with wither killed or have their memories altered. Yes we will need at least three ghouls for the society members as the rest of the garrison need not be replaced as they will follow the orders from above. Should not all the Society members be present an stealthy strike at their fortress will need to be committed to remove that remaining member."

"Congratulations Hildr, welcome to where the fun actually begins." Ira'il smirked, "Simple, effective and flexible. When do you plan on the purge Duccio? I'm sure most of you need some more time to recover from the The Brujah's theatrics."

"Excellent we only need to leave as soon as I hear word of the Inquisition preparing to march, but meeting up some distance away from their fortress will be the best location so we may hopefully shadow them to the target they wish to attack. It is likely going to be the southern forest they move on due to already noted conflict with the Shadowlords, but they might go after a different target as their leader has been getting progressively erratic."

Duccio moves to leave Elysium.

After being absent for over a year, in walks Godfrey. Hands behind his back and a smile on his face as always. Next to him are 3 individuals. One is a Hungarian looking woman with pale skin; the second is a small woman of ethnicity not well known, and a small but strong looking warrior of an ethnicity largely unknown to people here.
Godfrey walks up to torston.
"I have been on a long journey for information for the prince. I would speak with them as soon as possible please."

Duccio enters the Abbey looking more haggard than usual in a large dark cloak and resting more heavily upon his cane as he walks. Duccio's face turns from neutral to a scowl as the works 'masquerade breach' being some of the first he hears upon entering and lets out a frustrated sigh. "And here I am just managing to finally get one fire under control while another springs up, The Inquisition is now scattered and we should be able to get everything in place to remove them completely within the next few days. I will make my report to the Prince whenever she feels it appropriate, but I will caution all present there is at least on Infernalist on the loose in this city and where there is one there is likely more be on guard."

Godfrey walks up to enki and leonarducci.

"What is this now? I have been away and have no idea as to the going on of the city."

Godfrey strokes his beard in thought.

"Is anything more known about this individual? Or just that they control animals?"

Duccio Smiles at Finn, "The clean up should be proceeding smoothly to have the remaining members of the inquisition leave victoriously from these lands onto a ship that will never be seen of again. Just to try our best and make this city be once again unremarkable in the eyes of the inquisition."

Duccio then turns to Enki with a sigh, "It seems I should have been more forceful in my offer of assistance in that endevore, but alas my plate always seems full these days."

"The individual wasn't the problem." Izr'ail spoke as he was handing his weapons to the servant at the door. "It was some form of spirit not quite possessing y
The man but granting him power. When we cornered it the thing lept to another host. And while I pride myself on my ability I didn't think I could of killed that many men in armour with cross bows. Not to mention the good Hound does not resort to violence against the Mortals."

Godfrey puts his hands behind his back in quiet contemplation. Absorbing what info was given.

"Once I have spoken with the prince, I will like to discuss further. I also have to stops to make. Then I'll research some and give my findings."

Isaac appears from beside Izra.
"It is hard to nail down such things but it appeared to be either some kind of demonic spirit or at least a malicious entity similar to what to the werewolves deal with. I thought the matter of the prisoner would resolve itself when the inquisition executed him but apparently they didn't. While he is definitely a concern I am far more worried about this entity's new host. It has attached itself to Amsterdam's Captain of the Guard. The amount of damage it can do in this position both to this man and to everyone in the city is frightening. To that end the Prince has instructed myself and Izra'il to kidnap the Captain and keep him someplace until we can free him from its control. To keep anyone from noticing his absence she instructed me to have Enki create a body double to take his place."

Duccio nods his head, "Yes it seems we are needing to find better ways of identifying what kind of spirits we are dealing with along with methods to deal with them. I am attempting to do some research which could prove useful hoping that some of my assumptions are correct in how closely things are tied. The fact that it is the Captain of the guards is unfortunate let me know if there is any help that is required as the biggest item on my plate has been removed."

"The proliferation of these spirits is troubling. I didn't see any in my travels to get here but I have seen many in the last few years in Amsterdam. Given the odd cult or whatever in the tunnels I am concerned this might not be a naturally occurring phenomena. Also I apologize for not clarifying Enki. The Prince has ordered that I will owe you for whatever is necessary to complete this task. We can speak on that and other matters I must discuss with you I'm private."

Isaac's eyes go wide. "Not disposal! The Prince's instructions were kidnapping to hold until we can remove the entity."

Duccio sighs "If the entity is one of the Fomori the removal will result in the captains death, with at least the way I know of removing those entities as they entwine and corrupt the host from within with the removal causing excessive damage to the host's body. We know that the Lupine have other means of removing these spirits as with helping Finn, but the price that was payed is not something worth the life of one mortal. If the guard captain is possessed by a Fomor he is, in all but name, dead to this world and as the corruption grows the harder it will be to send the creature back from whence it came."

Isaac looks very troubled. "I believe it is some kind of fomori like you said. If it really will kill him to remove it then would not the kindest thing to do be to kill the poor man before it has a chance to corrupt him any more? If there is no way to save his life is not the greatest mercy we can give him to try and save his soul as best we can?"

"If that is what you Wish Isaac, I shall make sure the man has a quick death with and last rights preformed." The Warrior turned to Enki, "Do you wish this one for study as well?"

"The best option is the preform the exorcism when ever possible. If we just kill the host the Fomor is still on this side of the veil and can just infect a new host quickly, but if we excise it then that spirit must cross over again which buys us even more time to find those who are opening the way for these spirits. The immediate cruelty is the long term mercy in this case you cannot be blinded by the suffering of one and loose sight of the threat to the whole."

"If an exorcism is the best choice then we should do that but if this man is going to die regardless should we still be making a body double? Wouldn't that then mean that instead of pretending to be the captain for a limited time they are going to have to keep up the disguise indefinitely?"

"The guise only needs to last until we can be certain that at either the replacement Capitan is completely mundane and proves no inherent threat or is an agent of our own to keep us apprised on information." Duccio turns to look at Kristophe a grimace on his face.

"Unfortunately is appears so as during the fighting in the woods before the inquisition was vanquished one of their members, before he could be killed, vanished into a flash of green fire. The other troubling news was the fact of the inquisitions headquarters having all of their warding removed, at the latest, during the fight."

"That's very concerning. Do we know who the inquisitor who vanished is? Also I didn't know their headquarters had warding. What kind of warding was it and what could have removed it?"

"It appeared to be the head of the Leopold society, but I have yet to investigate deeply to see if it was the real person or someone assuming his guise... With how erratic he was up to that battle he could have been stalked back the Infernalist and replaced sometime before the battle. It might be hard to tell what the case is in the end, but with the destruction of the wards I am leaning towards him being replaced rather than always being an inferalist due to the information I know of the Society. Sadly I had other business to preform at their headquarters so I did not take time to study the remnants of the wards, then I had to orchestrate the removal of the leftover Inquisition forces that did not participate in the battle."

Gwynne enters the room, glancing around to mentally take note of those present, and to gauge the mood in the room as she crosses the threshold. Her step falters and her eyes widen as she sees Kristophe's companion. Despite not normally being one to gravitate towards strangers, she approaches with a warm smile.

"Greetings, Kristophe, friend! How are you this night? And, um," she adds coyly, cocking her head to the side in curiosity with a sidelong glance to his companion, "Please do introduce your guest!" Gwynne looks from Kristophe to the newcomer earnestly.

Gwynne quails a moment under Ruza's critical gaze before continuing. "Ruza..." She smiles softly, "A pleasure to meet you. I am Gwynne." She pauses a moment, then adds "I do very much hope that you, er, do end up here more often, and beyond tonight. Forgive me, but... I had thought for a moment that perhaps..." She trails off before finding the nerve to continue, "...That perhaps one of the very stars in the night sky had come to visit us... you shine with such beauty," Gwynne finishes, shifting nervously, unable to maintain eye contact any longer. "I'm sorry," she blurts out, "I shouldn't have- ...that is to say, I- ...I really don't know what I was..." She trails off, flustered.

At some point Duccio has slipped out of Elysium to attend some business and not long after Enki made his entrance the shadows in the room begin to fluctuate and shift violently. The loud clack of his cane announces Duccio's arrival as he enters the hall a look of cold fury upon his face with a gaunt red haired man bring up the rear carrying a large sack.

"It would seem you were not the only one attacked this night dear Enki." Duccio's voice is ice cold and the shadows around the room ungulate to his words. Duccio motions for his servant to throw the contents of the sack upon the floor revealing the dead body of a large wolf like creature. "But I do not believe that this is the Lupin's doing, lest they are working with the Infernalists now. Unless you were attacked by a different creatures then what assaulted my church."

Isaac has been standing shocked by all these entrances and exits by friends new and old and especially at the Prince's charge of Henry. Eventually he gathers himself. "I....I don't know how to be someone's jailer in general and wasn't told my position would involve that as a duty.Enki, Duccio, and anyone else who have advice or aid I welcome it. What is the best way to securely and preferably humanely hold one of our kind? I want to fulfill my assigned task well and make sure Henry is securely kept but I don't wish to cause him any unnecessary discomfort."

"That is most troubling indeed, as if there is one there is no reason to assume that it was the only one to be committed in a single attack... With the fact that I was only attacked by hellhounds rather then whatever monstrosity attacked you means either they do not view me as a high martial threat or they only have a limited number to strike with. Although the latter is the more likely case as the lest risky option would be to strike with full force if available even if it might not be needed unless there have been more attacks we have yet to be apprised of..." Duccio trails off lost in thought as the shadows in the room finally return to their natural movements.

Duccio snaps back into focus at the Prince's announcement nodding along thoughtfully while studying this new envoy. "It is a pleasure domina Ruza of house Gwydion. I Leonarduccio Esposito of clan Lasombra offer my personal and humble apology to your court for my part in those unfortunate events." Duccio says while bowing as deeply as his bad leg will allow before turning his attention to Isaac.

"Isaac... As the Scourge, while this specific situation might not be usual, you are a direct agent of the Prince so your duties are that which the Prince demands of you. My advice to you would be to think less of how much discomfort your charge will be in and more how, and to what degree, are you willing to keep Henry under guard."

"What should we do?" A cold smile spreads across Duccio's lips as the shadow beneath him grows, "We bring into focus who this enemy is exactly, gather all the information on them that we can, then crush them under our boot with such force that all those aware will never risk such an attempt on this city again."

"Well we have two options as I see things. On my own I have a safe place I could keep Henry and ensure he doesn't escape but in order to do so I would need him to submit to being staked until such a time as the Prince requires him returned to court. I swear to you Henry if this is the path we take you will be safe with me and I would out your safety higher than my own.

While I doubt he would try I do not have the experience or resources to prevent Henry's escape if he remains unstaked. Especially during the day. Maurice is a good man and I trust him in general but he wouldn't be very good at preventing a kindred from escaping if they tried something whole I slumber. To keep him under house arrest as it were I would need assistance from some trusted and skilled ghouls."

"If I may interject, a simple stake through the heart normally keeps someone in place, while not the most respectful or dignified does do the job. If you wish I can take custody of the Master Harpy until a fitting time he can be tried. It is why Caine and Haqim created my clan." Haqim's Son bowed his head to Isaac, before turning to Henry, "Though I assume such drastic actions wouldn't be required for one who maintains their innocence to charges levied."

Isaac is silent for a good long moment.
"I have decided. While the Prince has said I could seek assistance with this its still my responsibility now and I do not take that lightly either in terms of duty to the city or with Henry's safety and security in my hands. Therefore to simplify things and not require providing vitae or worrying about others finding him Henry will be staked and I will conceal him in the safest place I know. A place that I believe known only to myself. I will present him when required for the Prince. "

Godfrey walks in with his ghoul and has a seat in an open spot. Potentially looking for conversation.

Godfrey smiles.

'Just taking a much needed break from my research and traveling. Just looking to talk and get a feel for everything going on. What brings you here this night?'

Kasumba strolled into elysium with an air of self confidence, trailed perhaps a bit too closely, by a lethargic looking man with a bald head. He has a carapace covering most of his skin which is pale and white. He seems disheveled looking and scared, yet on alert.

She found a place to sit which allowed her to survey the room as she looked for any familiar faces.

"Sit down, Worm."

The pair sat in comfortable silence.

Godfrey strokes his beard.

'Ah yes, you mentioned that before. The attack on harpies though. That is new news. Why are the harpies being attacked?'

The woman stood to greet the approaching man. Concern briefly flitted across her face, leaving almost as fast as it arrived.

"Charmed, I'm sure. Kasumba, of clan Tremere."

She gestured towards Worm who then reached out to shake the man's hand.

"How may I be of assistance to you?"

Kasumba smiled slyly at the man, looking him up and down.

"One never knows what they will return from an adventure with."

Kasumba smiled as she lowered herself back into her chair, and she motioned for Worm to do the same. She thought hard about her next words. First impressions were so important, and things needed to go right for her in the city if her plans were to work.

"I came here on business, and I like what I've seen so far. The area has proven to be most ... useful."

She paused, cocking her head to one side.

"What about you, Enki?"

Her icy eyes almost seemed to be trying to stare a hole in the man as she spoke.

A wry chuckle escaped Kasumba's parched lips. She licked them methodically before speaking again, regarding Worm as she did.

"Were this ... quaint .. little city but a bit closer to the golden shores of Africa, my new friend, you would find little relevance of your question. Of that I am sure, just as I am sure that in due time, all will come to know my worth here."

With a wink, she added.

"I am most looking forward to this."

Izra'il stepped into the Abbey's halls with almost a little spring in his step, the Warrior seemed in a good mood until his eye's settled on Kasumba,
"Ahh, The Warlock made it home from the German states. Safe travels I hope?" He smirked just a tad before taking a seat next to Enki, "My friend you were missed, but your clan mate did well, please inform Cybelle that I look forward to working with them in the future." He eased into the chair, "and I may need your assistance in a matter that shouldn't be discussed here."